Intravenous ibandronate in men with osteoporosis: An open pilot study over 2 years

• Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation Vol. 26; no. 8; pp. 728 - 732
• Main Authors: LAMY, O, SANDINI, L, PACHE, I, FATIO, S, BURNAND, J, BURCKHARDT, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Milano Kurtis 01.08.2003
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers; Bone and Bones - metabolism; Bone Density - drug effects; Diphosphonates - administration & dosage; Diphosphonates - adverse effects; Diphosphonates - therapeutic use; Endocrinopathies; Follow-Up Studies; Fractures, Bone - epidemiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis - drug therapy; Osteoporosis - pathology; Pilot Projects; Spine - anatomy & histology; Spine - pathology; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Human; Osteoporosis; Intravenous administration; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Ibandronic acid; Male; Endocrinology; Public health
• ISSN: 0391-4097; 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.1007/BF03347354

In the treatment of osteoporosis, the tolerance of oral bisphosphonates is often low. The high potency of ibandronate allows iv bolus injections that can be repeated every 2 to 3 months. However, the best dose and time interval of the treatment with iv ibandronate is still debated. Efficacy of 2-mg ibandronate injected every 3 months was tested in men with osteoporosis over 2 yr, in a prospective, open study. Fourteen men with primary osteoporosis, mean age 57 +/- 12 yr (range: 40-73), received 2-mg ibandronate iv every 3 months over 2 yr. All got 1 g/day calcium and 880 UI/day vitamin D for 2 yr. Bone mineral density (BMD) increased after 2 yr by 6.7 +/- 1.5% (mean change +/- SEM) at lumbar spine (p<0.001), by 3.2 +/- 08% at trochanter (p<0.001) and by 1.4 +/- 1.1% at femoral neck (ns). Serum beta-crosslaps and osteocalcin decreased significantly by 30-45 and 30%, respectively, during the 2 yr of treatment. Serum calcium increased from the lower to the middle tertile of the normal range during the 2 yr of the study. The observed decrease of bone remodelling and the increase of BMD are of the same magnitude as those described with oral bisphosphonates. The increase of plasma calcium confirms the positive effect of the supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. These results suggest that 3 months are a good interval between two doses of iv ibandronate, when 2 mg are given.